Khamenei seeks permanent Security Council seat for Muslim world

Tehran (ANTARA News) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said yesterday Islamic countries are required to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

"Despite enjoying great capacities, the Islamic world has been deprived of the power to defend itself. Islamic nations must take practical steps in this regard and do away with geographical, racial, and sectarian conflicts," Ayatollah Khamenei was quoted by IINA as telling visiting President of the Union of Comoros Ahmad Adbullah Sambi.

Khamenei said the enemies have made huge investments to foment discord among Muslims and fuel sectarian violence among Shiites and Sunnis.

"Unfortunately some Muslim politicians, intellectuals, and scholars have fallen into this trap but they all should know that the Islamic world can become powerful through unity and practical cooperation."

He described unity as the "major necessity" for the Islamic world, saying that Islamic world, with its bountiful natural resources, geostrategic importance, and skilled workforce, can turn into a key power.

Turning to Iran's efforts to access civilian nuclear technology, the Supreme Leader criticized the "Islamic world's enemies" for opposing Tehran's progressive nuclear program, although they know that Iran's nuclear activities are peaceful.

On his part, Sambi called for stronger relations with the Islamic Republic, saying the Union of Comoros views Iran?s assistance as essential to its development. end (*)